Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Barrowmaze Saga XIV: Revisiting Defiled Ground

A minor expedition. Little of note. Some treasure. An elven blade. No death. New life.

The wizard Mazzarian the Magnificant approached the Company of the Black Dragon as they lingered in their cups: “I have scried upon my damn drune rival Necron, he who owes me his life in forfeit for the picture he stole. I saw him crawling through cramped tunnels beneath the southern Barrow Moor. Go forth with this elf, Resper, and find him! I will reward you handsomely.” The Moor did not molest the venturers as they walked through cold spitting rain to the bog that held their dire misfortune. They decided to enter through the “Well”, the western-most entrance. Creeping through looted passageways with their yellow-eyed wardog, they discovered a fallen cleric of the dwarven All-Father. Hungry rats were feasting on his face, but once beaten back he was found to be carrying treasures. An elven sword “Goblin-Biter”, and a map of “Skull Mountain”. After some more tepid exploration the fighter who had bitten bitten savagely by rats began vomiting violently. Swiftly, the group returned to Helix to supplicate Brother Othar for healing once again.

In the days that followed Aliontus the Cleric became betrothed to Sister Cella, Cleric of St. Ygg, who is pregnant. Stirr and Dan spoke of a rich caravan headed to Helix. Clonin became closer still with Merda the Barmaid and Brother Gamdar, the Orcish Friar of of the One True God. He spoke of incompetence of the Duke Ironwood and of the heathen perils of the Dolmenwood to the West.

The Castle of Dreams

This castle whereonto I fleeWhen life and time hang wearily.Yet though so far, 'tis strangely nigh:Within the breathing of a sighOne gains the walls secure and highOf the castle of dreams.

Divinely beautiful and great,Of pearl each dome and tower, and gate,It stands, a hold of kingly state.There gyving Time and Space are not,And cares of Life are all forgot.No breath of restless change is broughtTo the Castle of Dreams.

I walk each wondrous court and hall,Their varied treasures mine at call,For there I am the lord af all.If gold and gems of land and sea,And broad estates were offered me,I would not take them for the keyOf the Castle of Dreams.